[requester]

Record

Archived: June 2, 2025 1145.04 AM From: Immigtation Representatives / Représentants immigration (RCC Sent: [requester] To: [requester] Immigration Representatives / Représentants immigration (RCC Subject: [requester] Importance: Normal Sensitivity: None Good day, Please find the response to your inquiry below Question: J would like to confirm this general information about being able to study short courses with your PGWP y how many courses can you take: If you have a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), there is no specific limit to the number of short-term courses (six months or less in duration) you can take during that period. However, there are a few important considerations: Key Points to Keep in Mind: 1. 1. Course Duration: You can enroll in any number of short courses, as long as: ‘© * Each course is six months or lessin length © * Each course is completed within the validity of your PGWP.

2. 2. Primary Purpose of PGWP: The PGWP is primarily intended to allow you to gain Canadian work experience. If you spend too much time studying instead of working, it could raise questions about whether you are using the permit for its intended purpose. While this is generally not a problem for short courses, balance is important.

3. 3. Timing: You can take these courses consecutively or simultaneously, as long as they do not interfere with the conditions of your PGWP (e.g., working full-time, if that is your goal).

4. 4. Work and Study: If your courses are during your free time (e.g., evenings, weekends) or do not interfere with your full- time job, it’s perfectly fine to take multiple courses during the validity of your PGWP.

5. 5. Longer Programs: If you decide to pursue a program longer than six months, you will need to apply for a study permit.

Practical Example: Let’s say you have a 3-year PGWP, and you take:

© *A3-month certificate program in business analytics in the first year.

© *A4-month diploma in digital marketing in the second year.

+ A5-month language improvement course in the third year.

You can take all these courses without any issue, as long as each is completed within the time frame allowed by your PGWP.

Response:

As stated, per R188(1)(c), foreign workers may engage in occasional studies or programs of study lasting 6 months or less at

any time during their authorized stay in [requester] duration of the course or program of study is often a more important

consideration than the number of months the foreign national intends to study. Even if the foreign nationals plan to study for

6 months or less, if the course or program total length is longer than 6 months, they need a study permit.

Paragraph R188(1)(c) was not intended to allow a foreign national to complete an entire program without a study permit by

taking required program courses one at a time. It is expected that these studies should not lead to the completion of a

professional certificate, diploma or degree.

For more information, please visit our website: httos://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-

citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/who- 0086s